Wearable basketball shot trainer

ABSTRACT

Provided is a basketball training device comprising a blocking module secured to a retaining element, in which the blocking module and the retaining element are configured such that the blocking module extends from the chest of a wearer and is adapted to impede the wearer from moving a basketball ball into a defensive hand zone of the wearer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention generally relates to a wearable basketball shot trainer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basketball is a popular and well-known sport played by many throughout the world. While players of many different skill levels can play basketball, it is a game of skill which requires practice and repetition to play at a high level. Thus, many basketball players spend significant time and resources practicing and mastering the many skill required to be a high skill level player. The present invention provides a device, and methods of using the same, which can be used by players of all ages and abilities to improve their skill level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a basketball training device comprising a blocking module secured to a retaining element, wherein the blocking module and the retaining element are configured such that when worn by a wearer, the blocking module is positioned in front of the wearer's chest and comprises a shape and size to fill at least a portion of a defensive hand zone discovered by the inventor of the device described in this disclosure, and wherein the blocking module is adapted to prevent the wearer from moving a basketball ball with at least one of the wearer's hands into the at least a portion of the defensive hand zone. In certain embodiments, the retaining element comprises a plurality of straps, alone or connecting the blocking module to a back module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a basketball training device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a back view of the exemplary basketball training device of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 3 depicts a wearer wearing the exemplary basketball training device of FIGS. 1 and 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Further, although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, certain methods, devices and materials are now described.

Throughout this application, articles “a” and “an” are used in this disclosure to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The disclosure is further illustrated by the following descriptions, which are not to be construed as limiting this disclosure in scope or spirit to the specific procedures herein described. It is to be understood that the descriptions are provided to illustrate certain embodiments and that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is intended thereby. It is to be further understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and/or scope of the appended claims.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of features, techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed features, techniques and steps. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual features, techniques and steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict different views of an exemplary embodiment of a basketball training device 1. The basketball training device 1 includes a blocking module 2 having left and right sides L and R, each of which are secured to retaining elements, such as by adjustable straps 3 to enable the basketball training device to be worn by wearers of different shapes and sizes. The retaining elements 3 may be further secured to a back module 4. The adjustable straps 3 may be secured to at least one of the blocking module 2 and back module 4, by at least one of sewing, an adhesive and integral construction. FIG. 3 depicts the basketball training device 1 coupled to a wearer 5.

The retaining element 3 is depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 with an advantageous arrangement of three secure or attachment points 6, 7 and 8, on the left side L of the blocking module 2 and three other secure or attachment points 9, 10, and 11 on the right side R of the blocking module 2. The retaining element 3 may be a strap with a fastener such as, for example, a hook and loop fastener, e.g., VELCRO® or other adjustable or non-adjustable fasteners. Optionally, one or more of secure or attachment points 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 may be a retractable swing buckle. Such number of attachment points and configuration thereof enables the wearer 5 of FIG. 3 to have a high degree of mobility of movement, while providing the desired functionality of the device 1. These attach points 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 and configurations allow for the device to provide a secure fit for a variety of different body shapes and sizes. It should be readily understood that larger or lesser amounts of attachment points may be used in accordance with the invention. In addition, the retaining element 3 may be adjustable as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, or non-adjustable in accordance with the invention. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the retention element 3 may be in the form of a garment, such as a vest, shirt of portions thereof, whereby the blocking module 2 would be secured to any such garment so that the blocking module 2 would be located in the defensive hand zone as described in detail below.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the blocking module 2 may comprised of an outer enclosure with one or more fillable cavities therein. The outer enclosure may be formed of a pliable material including, for example, nylon, vinyl, polyester and/or natural or artificial filler materials to enable such outer enclosure to take on the shape necessary to fill at least a portion of the defensive hand zone. Blocking module 2 may comprise a sturdy, e.g., nylon, fabric possessing a water repellent finish and/or clear polyurethane coating and/or a grab tensile strength of, for example, 528×472 lbs. Suitable fabrics for the blocking module 2 include, for example, 1000D CORDURA® Nylon fabric, and/or a 100% polyester performance fabric. The blocking module 2 may also comprise an inflatable membrane to create the desired volumetric size and shape.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3 , back module 4 is coupled to retaining element 3. In other instances, back module 4 may be absent and instead retaining elements 3 secure the blocking module to the player without the need for back module 4. Back module 4 may include a storage pocket in some instances. Examples of such a storage pocket include a zipper pocket or a button compartment. Such a storage pocket would be useful for storing an item during movement, such as a cellular phone or keys.

For the foregoing embodiments, each embodiment disclosed herein is contemplated as being applicable to each of the other disclosed embodiments.

During a basketball game and practice sessions, when a player has the basketball on offense, he or she is typically guarded by a defender of the opposing team. A common technique of the defender is to remain in-between the offensive player and the basketball hoop and the defender keeps his or her hands in front of the middle of the offensive player's body. We will refer to this zone as the “defensive hand zone.” More specifically, as used herein, “defensive hand zone” means the a volumetric zone in front of the wearer's chest extending a distance from the wearer's chest of approximately eight to sixteen inches, and having a width of approximately eight to sixteen, as well as a height of approximately eight to twenty inches.

It creates significant risk for the offensive player to place or move the basketball through the defensive hand zone because the defensive player can more easily knock or steal the ball out of the offensive player's hands resulting in a turnover. However, many players of various skill levels have a tendency of placing the ball into the defensive hand zone. One such instance is just before the offensive player shoots the ball to attempt to score points. Because the defensive player's hands are typically in the defensive hand zone, this can result in the ball be stolen or knocked away as described above.

The device 1 of the present invention is designed to provide a wearable component that creates a physical volume within the defensive hand zone, i.e., a barrier, which impedes and/or blocks the ability of an offensive player to move the basketball into or through the defensive hand zone. By wearing the device 1 during training, a basketball player is advantageously forced to keep the ball substantially outside of the defensive hand zone. This device mimics the hand placement of a typical defensive player and teaches the offensive player to not place the ball in this area. This provides training by repetition and thus teaches the player to keep the ball outside of the defensive hand zone even after the device is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, it is desirable that the blocking module 2 of the device 1 to protrude a distance of eight to sixteen inches outward from the chest of the wearer, with a width on the order of approximately eight to sixteen inches, and a height of approximately eight to twenty inches.

There are three preferred ways to get in position to make a basketball shot, namely, off-the-dribble, off-the-pivot, and off-the-catch shots. There are also six different and critical shot pockets which the device of the present invention trains basketball players to utilize for each of these types of shots.

Off-the-Dribble Shots

The focus on off-the-dribble shots is to stop dribbling, pick up the ball and take a shot. The player has the ability to pick the ball up at different pick up points or zones. For example, a pound pick up (same side same hand). Any combination can lead to a perfect pickup. The pickup depends on the hand of the defender. The typical hand of the defender is in the center section of the device disclosed herein.

The first off-the-dribble shot pocket is the middle of the body, which will be referred to herein as shot pocket 1.

The second off-the-dribble shot pocket is the right side, high shoulder, which will be referred to as shot pocket 2. For a right-handed shooter, this is the outside shoulder pocket. A left-handed shooter should bring over the shooting hand to this pocket to get shot off quickly. The disclosed device is designed to teach a player how to properly fade out of shot pocket 2. This shot pocket is ideal for outside dribble pickups and keeps the basketball away from the defender's hands, i.e., the defensive hand pocket.

The third off-the-dribble pocket is the right side low and outside, which will be referred to as shot pocket 3. This shot pocket is preferred if the pickup is low or the defender's hand is normally high (i.e. the counter is to go low). The offensive player can start in shot pocket 3 and finish in shot pocket 2 with a fade. A left handed-shooter should bring over the shooting hand to this pocket to get shot off quickly.

The fourth off-the-dribble pocket is the right side low and outside, which will be referred to as shot pocket 4. This shot pocket is preferred if the pickup is low or the defender's hand is normally high (i.e. the counter is to go low). A right-handed shooter should bring over the shooting hand to this pocket to get shot off quickly. The player may move the ball “under the world” from shot pocket 3 to shot pocket 4, or vice versa. “Under the world” refers to moving the ball quickly underneath the defensive player's hands, typically when the defensive player's hands are in the defensive hand zone. The player may also move the ball from hip to hip, i.e. the ball starts in shot pocket 3 and moving ball to shot pocket 4 without moving the ball into the defensive hand zone. The player may also start with the ball in shot pocket 4 and move the ball into shot pocket 5 then take a shot.

The fifth off-the-dribble pocket is the left side high shoulder, which will be referred to as shot pocket 5. For a left-handed shooter, this is the outside shoulder pocket. A right-handed shooter should bring over the shooting hand to this pocket to get shot off quickly. The claimed device is design to teach the player how to properly fade out of pocket 5. This shot pocket is ideal for outside dribble pickups and keeps the basketball away from the defender's hands, i.e., the defensive hand zone.

The next shot pocket is the above-the-shoulders shot pocket, which will be referred to as shot pocket 6. This is considered the scoring zone and all 5 shot pockets will always lead back to shot pocket 6. Thus the device of the present invention provides a significant benefit in teaching players how to get to a shot in five different ways and leads a player to shot pocket 6 where a player's mechanics determine whether the shot goes in the basket or not.

Off-the-Catch Shots

A player typically catches a basketball by reaching for the ball with two hands. Players typically automatically tuck their elbow by reaching for ball. Players can take a shot quicker because the ball is already above the waist. The off-the-catch shot position allows for a pump fake and to get to the shot quickly.

The first-off-the-catch shot pocket is the middle of the body, i.e., shot pocket 1.

The second off-the-catch shot pocket is the right side high shoulder, i.e., shot pocket 2. This position allows for an inside pivot. A right-handed shooter may use an outside shoulder pocket fade. For left-handed shooters it is the opposite side.

The third off-the-catch shot pocket is the right side low and outside, i.e., shot pocket 3. If the player receives a low pass and thus makes a low catch on this side, then the ball will likely end up in this pocket initially. Alternatively, this pocket is used if the defender's hand is normally high because the counter is to go low. In some instances, an offensive player could start in shot pocket 3 and finish in shot pocket 2 with a fade.

The fourth off-the-catch shot pocket is the left side low and outside, i.e., shot pocket 4. If the player receives a low pass and thus makes a low catch on this side, then the ball will likely end up in this pocket initially. Alternatively, this pocket is used if the defender's hand is normally high because the counter is to go low. In some instances, an offensive player could start in shot pocket 4 and finish in shot pocket 5 with a fade.

The fifth off-the-catch shot pocket is the left side high shoulder, i.e., shot pocket 5. An inside pivot may be used by a left-handed shooter to make an outside shoulder pocket fade. A right-handed shooter may bring over the shooting hand to this pocket to get shot off quickly. The device of the present invention is designed to teach the player how to properly fade out of this pocket. By being in this pocket, the basketball stays away from defenders' hands. This position is a right-handed shooter's opposite side.

The next shot pocket is the above the shoulders shot pocket, i.e., shot pocket 6. This is considered the scoring zone and all 5 shot pockets will always lead back to shot pocket 6. Thus the device of the present invention teaches players how to get to a shot in 5 different ways and leads a player to shot pocket 6 where a player's mechanics determine whether the shot goes in the basket or not.

Off-the-Pivot Shots

Off-the-pivot shots typically use the same six shot pockets as described above for off-the-dribble and off-the-pass shots. The wearable device provides a significant benefit in teaching players how to get to a shot in five different ways off-the-pivot, while teaching players to avoid placing the ball into the defensive hand zone. As described above, these five different ways to get a shot leads a player to shot pocket 6 where a player's mechanics determine whether the shot goes in the basket or not. Each of shot pockets 1-5 will finish through shot pocket 6 if the player is taking a shot. Shot pocket 6 is the finishing of the shot, preferably with proper shooting form.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to certain embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A basketball shot training method comprising the steps of: securing retaining elements of a blocking module to a wearer such that the blocking module is positioned in front of the wearer's chest and comprises a shape and size to fill at least a portion of a defensive hand zone relative to the wearer, wherein the retaining elements comprise a plurality of straps secured to the blocking module and when worn by the wearer, at least one of the straps is positioned above the wearer's shoulder and at least one of the other straps is positioned below the wear's shoulder, and the wearer engaging in training, moving at least one of the wearer's hands holding the basketball into locations for getting into position to make a basketball shot with the basketball, wherein such locations excludes locations in at least a portion of the defensive hand zone blocked by the blocking module.
 2. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the retaining elements comprises at least 6 straps.
 3. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the length of at least one of the straps is adjustable.
 4. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the basketball training device further comprises a back module coupled to the retaining elements and wherein the method further comprises contacting the back module with the back of the wearer.
 5. The basketball shot training method of claim 4, wherein the back module comprises a compartment.
 6. A basketball shot training method comprising the steps of: securing a blocking module to a wearer such that the blocking module is positioned in front of the wearer's chest and comprises a shape and size to fill at least a portion of a defensive hand zone relative to the wearer, wherein the blocking module is secured to the wearer by a wearable vest or shirt, and the wearer engaging in training, moving at least one of the wearer's hands holding the basketball into locations for getting into position to make a basketball shot with the basketball, wherein such locations excludes locations in at least a portion of the defensive hand zone blocked by the blocking module.
 7. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the blocking module protrudes a distance of eight to sixteen inches outward from the chest of the wearer in a perpendicular direction, when worn by the wearer.
 8. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the blocking module has a width of six to sixteen inches wherein the width is measured from a left edge of the blocking module to a right edge of the blocking module.
 9. The basketball shot training method of claim 1, wherein the blocking module has a height of eight to sixteen inches wherein the height is measured from a top edge of the blocking module to a bottom edge of the blocking module.
 10. The basketball shot training method of claim 6, wherein the blocking module protrudes a distance of eight to sixteen inches outward from the chest of the wearer in a perpendicular direction, when worn by the wearer.
 11. The basketball shot training method of claim 6, wherein the blocking module has a width of six to sixteen inches wherein the width is measured from a left edge of the blocking module to a right edge of the blocking module.
 12. The basketball shot training method of claim 6, wherein the blocking module has a height of eight to sixteen inches wherein the height is measured from a top edge of the blocking module to a bottom edge of the blocking module.
 13. The basketball shot training-method of claim 1, wherein the step of the wearer engaging in training is performed in absence of a defensive player.
 14. The basketball shot training-method of claim 1, wherein the step of the wearer engaging in training is performed in presence of a defensive player.
 15. The basketball shot training-method of claim 6, wherein the step of the wearer engaging in training is performed in absence of a defensive player.
 16. The basketball shot training-method of claim 6, wherein the step of the wearer engaging in training is performed in presence of a defensive player.
 17. The basketball shot training-method of claim 1, wherein the defensive hand zone is a volumetric zone in front of the wearer's chest extending a distance from the wearer's chest of approximately eight to sixteen inches in a perpendicular direction, and having a width of approximately eight to sixteen inches wherein the width is measured from a left edge of the blocking module to a right edge of the blocking module, and a height of approximately eight to twenty inches wherein the height is measured from a top edge of the blocking module to a bottom edge of the blocking module.
 18. The basketball shot training-method of claim 6, wherein the defensive hand zone is a volumetric zone in front of the wearer's chest extending a distance from the wearer's chest of approximately eight to sixteen inches in a perpendicular direction, and having a width of approximately eight to sixteen inches wherein the width is measured from a left edge of the blocking module to a right edge of the blocking module, and a height of approximately eight to twenty inches wherein the height is measured from a top edge of the blocking module to a bottom edge of the blocking module.
 19. The basketball shot training-method of claim 5, wherein the compartment is a zipper or button compartment, optionally for storing an item during movement. 